"Jimmies" What do the Signals do?

[1911CoLt45]

Good day

After having a good long look around the web and what not I have been unsuccessful in finding out what the daily life, job and operational duties of a Signal troop.  I have been on the DND website and read the job description and have come to the conclusion that the basic outline didn't really explain the fine details of what our signal men and woman do.  I understand that their are a few trades offered in the Signals such as lineman, signal operator etc but when this branch is deployed to places like Afghanistan what do they do there?  Any ex signalers advice would be helpful or any general knowledge would be helpful as I know that there is plenty of that on this site.

 

[zipperhead_cop]

They do radio stuff.  I think they do phone stuff sometimes too.

 

[rmc_wannabe]

They do radio stuff.  I think they do phone stuff sometimes too.

And satellite, and computer, and network, and crypto and components repair, and Brigade, RHQ,BN,Coy level CP/Signalling....

I went to the site, and it pretty much covers it. If you missed the link :
Sig Op :http://www.forces.ca/flash.aspx#/flash/en/video_link/_VIDEOS/215_en.flv
LCIS Tech: http://www.forces.ca/flash.aspx#/flash/en/job_view/227/land-communications-and-information-systems-technician

 

[punkd]

I can only speak for a Sig Op. But on average, you are an answering machine. You will sit in a CP and do shifts on the radio taking and relaying messages. In between you can sweep and make coffee. You might even find yourself setting up mod tent/cleaning mod tent/unpacking mod tent just to pack it back up again. Your days will be full of excitement!

 

[Jager]

I can only speak for a Sig Op. But on average, you are an answering machine. You will sit in a CP and do shifts on the radio taking and relaying messages. In between you can sweep and make coffee. You might even find yourself setting up mod tent/cleaning mod tent/unpacking mod tent just to pack it back up again. Your days will be full of excitement!

I would have to dissagree. As it really depends on where you are posted. But even the guys in Comp TP (that holds both the CP troop and extention troop, or what have you, the radio guys) do a lot more then sit in the CP watching radios and set up mod.

As I said it can really very depending on what unit and troop that you end up being posted to. I deal with computers, networks, a bit of crypto, and servers on a daily bases. Where as others might deal with radios, etc... But there is a lot more to the trade then just making coffee, and other sh*t jobs. But even then, someone has to do them

 

[MikeL]

punkd, Sig Ops do far more than what you described.



What Sig Ops do varies, ie what unit they are with, what their position is, the chain of command, etc. The sterotype that a Signaller will only work in a CP/TOC is a thing of the past. Yes there are many positions for that in all organizations, but you will also have Sigs working IS/IT, CP/TOC, static/mobile RRBs, Patrolling, Mentors,  Drivers, etc


It's a very diverse job.

 

[1911CoLt45]

Thanks

Do any of the signal guys get time with the combat arms?  As radio operators in the field embedded with the infantry etc?

 

[Jammer]

Yes

 

[punkd]

Thanks

Do any of the signal guys get time with the combat arms?  As radio operators in the field embedded with the infantry etc?

Yup, although don't count on it right away. Even getting posted to a battalion you will most likely end up in their CP at first. Usually the best position you will get is a Company sig following the OC around. They usually make infanteers Pl sigs.

So if you want to be "infantry with a radio" then just sign up as an infanteer and volunteer to carry the 50lb backpack, im sure you will get it no problem.

 

[PuckChaser]

So if you want to be "infantry with a radio" then just sign up as an infanteer and volunteer to carry the 50lb backpack, im sure you will get it no problem.

Good advice, except that the Infantry trade is closed for applications, and credible rumours exist that it won't be opening until 1 Apr 2011.

Perhaps the OP doesn't want to be in the Combat Arms, and is asking the questions to make sure s/he won't be that far forward? Not everyone is keen on doing the Combat Support end of the SigOp trade.

 

[Rigger052]

  Linemen install and maintain the telecom/data cable infrastructure for all of the C&C that the CF employs in theatre. Our tasks encompass a large range of tasks from installing radio towers to laying tactical field line to OP's and bunkers. I know that when we deploy with a BN, linemen usually support the HQ elements regardless of where they may go, but we can also be found supporting the guns or armoured assets as well.

  We tend to be very busy as well, everyone either wants a telephone, or computer line ... right freaking now at that too. My last tour there were parts of KAF we never saw during daylight hours until we were stood down my last week in theatre. 

 

[1911CoLt45]

Cheers

I actually tried first for the infantry but got the word not to long ago that it was closed.  This is for a reserve position for now, so will see how it pans out.   

 

[REDinstaller]

LCIS Techs also deploy out with the Tank Sqns in theater. I deployed on TF1-07 with my Sqn from Edmonton. A Sqn LdSH(RC). I spend my entire tour crew commanding my TLAV around Panjwai, Maywand, Ghorak, Nalgam and other places that offered frequent stay points. lol. Deployment cycles and employment differ with each unit. And with the MES coming up at a snails pace, make some informed choices, as your final employment may differ in the end. LCIS is still quite short. And there is the added benefit of the possibility of going to a civilian school for 2 years due to CFSCE being overloaded.

 

[punkd]

Cheers

I actually tried first for the infantry but got the word not to long ago that it was closed.  This is for a reserve position for now, so will see how it pans out. 

Just remember that the Sig Op trade is red.. Im not 100% on how the reserves operate but in the regs you would have a hard time getting out of the sig trade if you decided its not what you wanted. Just be aware that if its the combat side that interests you, you will have a long road ahead before you could see that in the sig trade. Everyone has different opinions on this, but from my career that is what ive seen.

 

[PuckChaser]

It'll be easier to OT in the reserves. As long as there is a position available in the trade he wants, good to go. OUTCAPs only apply to the Reg F.

 

[tsokman]

You served with a tank troop as an LCIS Tech in Afghanistan...What was it like...What is a TLAV a technical LAV...

 

[dangerboy]

You served with a tank troop as an LCIS Tech in Afghanistan...What was it like...What is a TLAV a technical LAV...

A TLAV is a Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle otherwise know as a M113A3.  This website has a picture of one: http://www.casr.ca/ft-leopard-tank.htm

 

[REDinstaller]

Not just a Tank Troop, but a Tank Sqn. My ride was a TLAV-MRT-RWS, Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle-Mobile Repair Team-Remote Weapons System. So not only did I repair the Comms assets for the Sqn, but also the Combat Team that we were attached to. Along with Echelon Security Tasks which included convoy escort, and Point defence of the re-supply areas for maintaining the Combat Team. None of my peers were really banging at my door to be my HLTA replacement. Something about too much wondering around the AOR and not enough time to tan or sleep.

 

[tsokman]

It sounds fascinating that you would have all those roles as an LCIS Tech...Maybe you could PM me and expand some more for me...

 

[1911CoLt45]

What is the role of the Sig Officer?  I know its management things.  Can any one elaborate?  Any stories?